The Outlander PHEV – which stands for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle – boasts combined fuel efficiency of just 1.9-litres per 100 kilometres* – the lowest official ADR fuel consumption figure of any SUV sold in Australia. PHEV’s CO2 emissions are also super low at 44 gm/km.

Outlander PHEV achieves this high level of efficiency through a sophisticated plug-in hybrid system that combines a 2.0-litre internal combustion petrol engine, generator, power and motor control units, high capacity lithium-ion drive battery and front and rear electric motors.

PHEV’s official electric range is 52km** from a fully charged battery. The battery range is further supplemented by the plug-in hybrid system, which automatically operates in Series and Parallel modes to significantly extend the cruising range – depending on driving and road conditions – once the drive battery charge reaches low levels.

PHEV is also inexpensive and simple to recharge. Using a dedicated 15amp power outlet and based on an electricity supply rate of 30 cents per kilowatt hour, it would cost approximately $3.60 and take up to five hours to fully recharge a PHEV drive battery.

The PHEV has three different modes of operation – EV Drive Mode, Series and Parallel modes. EV Mode refers to PHEV’s all-electric operation where the wheels are driven by the front and rear electric motors using only drive battery power.

In PHEV’s two hybrid modes – Series and Parallel – the 2.0-litre petrol engine is activated to increase power to either the drive battery or directly to the wheels, depending on driving conditions.

PHEV’s electric range can also be maximised through the use of regenerative braking. Mitsubishi has designed PHEV with six regenerative braking settings, which the driver can select using the steering wheel paddles. And when the drive battery is depleted, PHEV can be switched to Battery Charge Mode which uses the petrol engine to generate and store battery power when the vehicle is stationary or driving. Alternatively, Battery Save Mode can be activated to maintain battery charge while driving.

Outlander PHEV Model Line-Up

Mitsubishi launches Outlander PHEV with a model line-up that’s designed to place plug-in hybrid technology firmly within the reach of mainstream SUV buyers. It will be available in two variants – the entry-level PHEV and top-of-the-range Aspire.

At $52,490, the PHEV Aspire gains a full array of luxury and technology appointments such as leather interior trim with heated front seats, 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, electric sliding sunroof, power tailgate with remote operation, chrome detailing, Forward Collision Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control and Wi-Fi based EV remote system via a smart phone App.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Executive Director of Marketing Tony Principe said the plug-in hybrid Outlander PHEV is the perfect no compromise package to re-introduce Australians to electric vehicle technology.
“Mitsubishi has a long-standing reputation for pioneering durable, go-anywhere, family-friendly four-wheel drives and SUVs that have been embraced by everyday Australians, and the Outlander PHEV upholds this 30-year tradition” he said.
“Outlander PHEV introduces a new era for Mitsubishi SUVs. It’s clever, seamless PHEV plug-in hybrid system is a window into our company’s future and the first example of a new generation of SUVs Mitsubishi will roll out globally in the next few years.
“The beauty of Outlander PHEV is that it’s a no compromise electric vehicle – it costs as little as $3.60 for an overnight recharge. It’s versatile, well-equipped and robust enough to tackle most of Australia’s rough roads, all while helping owners to spend less money on fuel and reduce their environmental impact.
“It’s no secret that Australians love SUVs and the PHEV, with its 52-kilometre EV range, seamless operation, official 1.9-litre/100km ADR fuel consumption and sub-$50,000 starting price, will challenge Australian car buyers to re-consider the value of sustainable motoring.
“For the first time, Australia has an affordable, practical electric vehicle solution with genuine appeal for the mainstream car buyer.”

Cargo Space
PHEV’s SUV practicality is uncompromised. It carries up to five passengers in comfort and retains all of the ergonomic and packaging flexibility of a regular Outlander. Bootspace is virtually unchanged at 463L, with the under floor position of the lithium-ion battery pack resulting in only a minor difference in cargo capacity.

Recharging
The Outlander PHEV’s drive battery can be recharged using a dedicated 240V 15 AMP power outlet from the charging port on the right side of the vehicle. A fully depleted drive battery will take approximately five hours to recharge.

The PHEV is fitted with a 5-metre 230V cable.

EV Remote System
Top-of-the-range PHEV Aspire is fitted with a Wi-Fi based EV remote system that allows drivers to wirelessly control various functions of their car. The Outlander PHEV App – which is compatible with smart and android phones and devices including iPhone, iPad and iPod touch – is downloadable at no cost from the App Store.
The App allows PHEV owners to check and schedule battery charging, activate cabin heating and cooling, lock or unlock the doors, turn the headlights on or off and check hazard lights and the power switch.

Audio
PHEV features the same six-speaker AM/FM infotainment system available on current Outlander. The system has multiple audio playback options include CD, SD card or USB, and is iPod and iPhone compatible.
The high definition 7-inch colour touch screen displays the rear view camera and SatNav system, which also has the capability to show 3D images of buildings and landmarks, Points of Interest (POI) and speed limit information on major roads.

PHEV Driving Information Display
In addition to all of the other audio system functions and operating controls, occupants can access PHEV’s energy flow and monitoring information through the 7-inch touch screen by selecting the Trip tab.
Three displays are available – Energy Flow, which tracks the PHEV’s energy transfer to and from the drive battery; Energy Monitoring, which shows motor output, climate control power consumption and other data; and ECO Information Display, which calculates the vehicle’s dynamic ECO score, EV mode distance, EV mode average, Hybrid Mode efficiencies and real-time cruising range.

The PHEV benefits from Mitsubishi’s five-year/100,000km new car warranty inclusive of the lithium ion drive battery.
PHEV also qualifies for Mitsubishi’s four-year Capped Price Servicing, which is $360.00 RRP for the first service and $470.00 RRP for the second, third and fourth services, which are scheduled every 15,000km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Included with Capped Price Servicing as part of the Mitsubishi’s Diamond Advantage, customers get a Roadside Assist package.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will be available from selected Mitsubishi dealers when it goes on sale on 31 March, 2014.

* Based on official ADR 81/02 combined fuel consumption
** Based on official ADR 81/02 testing